W. Marc Gilfillan, CPA, NC, individual and business CPA and Tax expert, shares about the history of taxes…
Now that we are moving away from the Greeks, we finally come to the Romans. Scholars usually refer to Roman taxation as “more or less legal robbery” and Roman tax collectors as “a bunch of robbers.” However, Roman tax law wasn’t always corrupt. There was a two hundred year period at the peak of the Roman civilization when taxes were modest. Actually, all kinds of taxes, as well as no taxes, characterized the Roman period. Taxation was as necessary but as unpredictable in the Roman story as were the legions, the Senate and the Caesars. The half-mad emperor Nero once offered to get rid of all indirect taxes and create an “amazing present to the human race.” If you’re feeling the pressure with today’s taxes, call a Tax Preparer in Cary, NC for all your tax-related needs!
The Roman Republic - The Early Years
The early Roman Republic did not require much taxation because it operated with free labor. The army, which can be the most expensive operation in every civilization, was a citizen’s military, composed of property owners who served for one year without pay. They even provided their own uniforms and gear. This level of volunteer free public service extended to all government offices. Even the judges served the city for free. It is hard to conceive the validity of this ancient practice, especially in our age, when nobody seems to want to lift a finger for the government without a fat paycheck. Go here if you want help with modern-day Tax Preparation in Cary, NC.
The ideal way to reduce heavy taxation is to instil in all citizens a spirit of unselfish service for the greater good. It is not necessary to curtail public programs and services; what is necessary is the curtailment of the spirit of gain and profit that infests public figures and contractors.
The Romans, similar to many ancient civilizations, used the important men of their society to handle tax law. Taxpayers loved and admired the censors, and no doubt the integrity of these great men rubbed off on the taxpayers. In contrast, modern tax practices use professional public relations officers to manipulate taxpayers with advertising techniques that utilize fear more than inspiration. Trouble started, however, when Roman armies lived off of the populace and collected tribute in block form called “stipendium”.
Keep an eye out for W. Marc Gilfillan’s next chapter in his History of Taxes series: Taxes and the American Revolution.
http://www.marccpa.com/